Vacancies at The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), Wednesday 2, December 2015

The African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) is a non-profit organization established in 2005 with a mission to improve human health through the strengthening and expansion of applied epidemiology and laboratory capacity in partnership with Ministries of Health, Non-Governmental Organizations, international agencies, private sector and other public health agencies. AFENET has its Secretariat in Kampala, Uganda with operations in more than 16 countries.


HIV STRATEGIC INFORMATION (SI) ADVISOR

The HIV Strategic Information (SI) Advisor is responsible for overseeing Program Monitoring, Evaluation and reporting activities within his/her purview. The HIV Strategic Information Advisor will also have immediate oversight over all SI staff within the unit. S/He will provide technical support and coordination for the implementation of Strategic Information activities in the organization to ensure program targets are met, implement and ensure data quality and best practices in data collection, data management, and data reporting at different levels. Ensuring the use of standard tools and indicators required in the program and promoting health system strengthening activities at all levels also falls within his/her responsibilities. S/he will also collaborate with the Government of Nigeria agencies to conduct monitoring and evaluation activities. The HIV Strategic Information Advisor will liaise closely with other technical staff and partners in the central/state/regional locations as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

A university degree in medicine, pharmacy, statistics, epidemiology and computer science.

An MPH or its equivalent.

An experienced graduate of the FELTP program will be an added advantage

Minimum of 7 years working experience in relevant field .

Minimum of 2 years’ experience with HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria programs or related health service programs; and/or impact mitigation programs in the West African context.

Adequate experience with the National! StatefPEPFARI Global Funds SI system is highly desirable.

Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation and management of health monitoring and evaluation systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices, methods, tools and guidelines

Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written forms effectively to technical and non-technical colleagues.

Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office package applications and a statistical package such as Epi info, SPSS, SAS or STATA

Knowledge of and experience in health information management systems and database maintenance.

Knowledge of and practical experience in health-related research and ethical requirements.

Excellent (fluent) English written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

Team player with ability to work with minimal supervision.

Have a clear understanding of the health system structure in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria environment within the country.

Have a supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening local partners and building local capacities for self-management.

Be willing to undertake regular field visits with a team approach to program implementation and be able to manage several major activities simultaneously

Ability to interact with and engage stakeholders at different levels.

Flexible, willing to travel and work weekends

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide technical oversight to States / regional and site staff on HIV program indicators, reporting and data quality issues.

Oversee the development and periodic review of program reporting protocol and target distribution to relevant organizations.

Develop indicator matrices in line with indicator requirements.

Oversee the development of Standard Operating Procedures for Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting.

Provide supervision of Electronic Medical Records implementation and report generation in supported facilities.

Active participation and supervision of Quality Improvement activities.

Review monthly program indicator and narrative reports and oversee the generation of program reports     –

Ensure the preparation of adhoc reports as required and requested.

Ensure the utilization of standardized monitoring and evaluation indicators and tools for consistency in measurement.

Provide trainings and guidance on program indicators and Data Collection Tools at sites

Participate in the development of Performance Implementation Plans,

Monitoring &Evaluation operational plans, performance framework and

Strategic Information (SI) workplan and budget.

Participate in grant writing activities and responding to-the SI requirements.

Oversee the generation of regular gap analysis to show program regional progress towards achieving set targets.

Participate in health system strengthening activities which include, but not limited to capacity building at the facility and state levels, advocacy to state officers and facility management.

Provide strategic technical assistance to the government agencies and wider State response on theories, strategies and approaches for monitoring and evaluation at the national and sub-national level.

Support improved availability and use of monitoring, evaluation and surveillance data for program planning, evaluation, and policy advocacy.

Represent the organization at meetings.

Perform other duties as assigned by the HIV Advisor and the AFENET Resident Advisor.


HIV ADVISOR

The HIV Advisor under the supervision of the ResidentAdvisor A’FENETwill be responsible for the implementation and supervision of the AFENET HIV program in Nigeria. S/he will work with others within the AFENET team and alongside AFENET partners to ensure that AFENET HIV/AIDS activities are appropriate and meet the Government of Nigeria (GON), donor and project’s objectives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

A university degree in medicine with an MPH or its equivalent. with 7-10 years relevant experience in HIV/AIDS programs including deep knowledge of

Strategic Information (operational research, monitoring and evaluation and HIV Surveillance

Asound understanding of HIV/AIDS programs with provision of PMTCT and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in resource constrained settings.

An experience with the FELTP program will be an added advantage

Adequate experience with the Nationall State/PEPFARI Global Funds HIV and Systems is highly desirable.

Demonstrated experience in the leadership, design, implementation, management and tracking/monitoring of H IV programs and events.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Good understanding of the PEPFAR and National HIV/AIDS systems and thematic areas

Experience working with a wide range of implementing partners in Nigeria

Must be familiar with the various National, PEPFAR and WHO guidelines for treatment, care and support, PMTCT. Strategic information and other key HIV programs

Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices. methods, tools and guidelines

Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data, and present findings in both oral and written forms effectively to technical and non-technical colleagues.     .

Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office package applications and a statistical package such as Epi info, SPSS, SAS or STATA

Knowledge of and experience in health information management systems and database maintenance.     .

Knowledge of and practical experience in health-related research and ethical requirements.

Excellent (fluent) English writing and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.

Team player with ability to work without supervision.

Have a clear understanding of the health system structure in HIV/AIDS,

tuberculosis and malaria environment within the country.

Have a supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening local partners

and building local capacities for self-management.

Be willing to undertake regular field visits with a team approach to program

implementation and be able to manage several major activities simultaneously

Ability to interact with and engage stakeholders at different levels.

Flexible, willing to travel and work on weekends

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead the AFENET HIV program and take responsibility fortheAFENET HIV strategy and implementation.

Guide the Strategic Information unit of AFENET on delivery of mandate

Coordinate the design and implementation of strategies that will increase participation of NFELTP in H IV/AIDs related programs

Support the delivery of PEPFAR objectives in Nigeria and support specific HIV activities as may be assigned to the program by CDC or the Government. These include (but not limited to) HIV data system strengthening, HIV/AIDS surveys, HIV assessments and evaluations.

Supervise and mentor NFELTP residents in all activities to achieve key deliverables with extra focus on HIV/AIDS related activities

Identify HIV/AIDS research priorities and strengthening of HIV/AIDS related operational research of NFELTP including residents’ thesis design, review and finalization

In collaboration with other advisors and residents, design, plan, implement and evaluate projects on HIV{AIDS and other diseases

Guide residents of the program in preparing protocols and tools in the design and conduct of the FELTP practical outputs including study protocols, outbreak investigations and scientific write up with additional focus particularly HIV related ones

Provide appropriate guidance to residents in the evaluation of public health surveillance systems and analysis of surveillance dataset with focus on HIV

Support residents to develop HIV manuscript for publication in peer reviewed journals

Work with the state government and facilities to provide support and guidance on program/project monitoring and evaluation activities and on US Government and Government of Nigeria reporting requirements.

Provide support to sites in the each PEPFAR supported states, including interacting with site Program Managers, M&E focal points, M&E officers of SACNSASCP, other Implementing Agencies and local research groups on needs and ensuring that these parties understand and can support these requirements.

Work with local partners to support the correct implementation and use of monitoring and evaluation tools, and adherence to complete, correct and timely reporting.

Ensure that the quality of program/project activities adheres to SOPs by supporting the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms to ensure quality.

Provide direct technical assistance and capacity building in the design and implementation of the program/project Monitoring and Enhanced Evaluation components ofthe activities in the communities served.

Assist in the development and maintenance of computerized data capture of the program and provide technical assistance and training to the staff at the sites responsible for data entry.

Build capacity of local partners in project monitoring and with program staff and local partners, use program/project monitoring data to modify existing programs and design new programs.

Represent AFENET and makes presentations at professional meetings and conferences related to Monitoring and Evaluation.

Remain informed of current issues (egarding HIV/AIDS/STIITB fields by review of current literature; be alert to any implication of such research for project and program activities.

Perform other duties as assigned by the ResidentAdvisor.


MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) OFFICER

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, under the supervision of the HIV Strategic Information Advisor will be responsible for the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities of AFENET HIV activities at the central/states and facilities. S/he will work with others in the central team and alongside implementing partners to ersure that AFENET monitoring and evaluation activities are appropriate and meet the oonor and project’s M&E needs.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

A university degree in medicine, pharmacy, statistics, epidemiology and computer science with 3 years relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation and a sound understanding of HIV/AIDS with provision of PMTCT and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in resource constrained settings. An MPH or its equivalent will be an added advantage. Or BSc/BA in statistics, pharmacy, microbiology, monitoring and evaluation or in relevant degree with 5 to 7 years relevant experience in monitoring and

evaluation with a sound understanding of HIV/AIDS with provision of PMTCT and anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in resource constrained settings. An MPH or its equivalent will be an added advantage.

An experience / graduate of the FEL TP will be an added advantage

Adequate experience with the National/State/PEPFARI Global Funds SI system is highly desirable.     .

Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation and management of health monitoring and evaluation systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices, methods, tools and guidelines

Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form effectively to technical and non-technical colleagues.

Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office package applications and a statistical package such as Epi info, SPSS, SAS or STATA

Knowledge of and experience in health information management systems and database maintenance.

Knowledge of and practical experience in health-related research and ethical requirements.

Excellent (fluent) English writing and verbal communication skills with strong interpersonal skills.

Team player with ability to work with minimal supervision.

Have a clear understanding of the health system structure in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria environment within the country.

Have a supportive attitude towards processes of strengthening local partners and building local capacities for self-management.

Be willing to undertake regular field visits with a team approach to program implementation and be able to manage several major activities simultaneously

Ability to interact with and engage stakeholders at different levels.

Flexible, willing to travel and work weekends

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with the state government and facilities to provide support and guidance on program/project monitoring and evaluation activities and on US Government and Government of Nigeria reporting requirements.

Provide support to sites in each PEPFAR supported state, including interacting with site Program Managers, M&E focal points, M&E officers of SACNSASCP, other Implementing Agencies and local research groups on needs and ensuring that these parties understand and can support these requirements.

Work with local partners to support the correct implementation and use of monitoring and evaluation tools, and adherence to complete, correct and timely reporting.

Conduct routine monitoring visits to project sites, including the conduct of data quality assessments (DQAs) using official tools, assist in the preparation of monthly reports, and provide supportive supervision.

Ensure that the quality of program/project activities adheres to SOPs by supporting the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms to ensure quality.

Provide direct technical assistance and capacity building in the design and implementation of the program/project Monitoring and Enhanced Evaluation components of the activities in the communities served.

Assist in the development and maintenance of computerized data capture of the program and provide technical assistance and training to the staff at the sites responsible for data entry.

On a monthly basis, analyze state-level data and provide approved reports to State Office, National Office and local partners or other relevant parties.

Build capacity of local partners in project monitoring and with program staff and local partners, use program/project monitoring data to modify existing programs and design new programs.

Document lessons learned and best practices in monitoring and evaluation, according to CDC and PEPFAR guidelines.

Represent AFENET and make presentations at professional meetings and conferences related to Monitorirrg and Evaluation.

Remain informed of current issues regarding Monitoring and Evaluation of programs in the HrV/AIDS/STI fields by review of current literature; be alert to any implication of such research for project and program activities.

Perform other duties as assigned.

DHIS OFFICER


The DHIS officer under the supervision of the AFENET HIV Advisor is responsible for spearheading AFENET’s involvement with the District Health Information System (DHIS) HIV implementation. S/He will support the roll out of the Government of Nigeria (GON) DHIS2 instance, inclusion of PEPFAR indicators and facility-level reporting. Working with other relevant partners S/He will ensure that data collected from state level implementation are collated and entered expeditiously in the web based DHIS and ready for use for program planning. S/he will work with others in the team and implementing partners to ensure thatAFENET HIV/AIDS activities are appropriate and meet the GON, ojec ‘s Objectives.


EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Must possess a first degree in statistics/medical sciences Idemography/social sciences or its equivalent in a relevant field.

Postgraduate degree or equivalent in data management, public health, epidemiology or other health related disciplines

Possess at least 3-year experience in data management or monitoring and evaluation

Must have documented minimum of one (1) year experience in the use of DHIS 1.4 and 2.0

Experience in managing data at national, state or LGA level.

Proficiency in use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Epi info and SPSS.

S/He must possess ability to analyse and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data to inform programming.

A good understanding of HIV/AIDS programs

Adequate experience with the National/State/PEPFARI Global Funds HIV and Systems is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Good understanding of the PEPFAR and National HIV/AIDS systems and thematic areas

Experience with working a wide range of implementing partners in Nigeria

Must be familiar with the various National, PEPFAR and WHO guidelines for treatment, care and Support, PMTCT, Strategic information and other key HIV programs

Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices. methods, tools and guidelines

Must have the ability to obtain, analyze, organize and interpret data and present findings in both oral and written form effectively to technical and non-technical colleagues.

Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office package applications and a statistical package such as Epi info, SPSS, SAS or STATA

Knowledge of and experience in health information management systems and database maintenance.

Knowledge of and practical experience in health-related research and ethical requirements.

Excellent (fluent) English written and verbal communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

Team player with ability to work without supervision.

Have a clear understanding of the tfealth system structure in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria environment within the country.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will provide technical support to users of DHIS2 at all levels and will modify and update the DHIS2 modules in accordance with program requirement and specification.

Support the implementation of the HIV/AIDS NHIS scale up plan in the states

Provide technical leadership to the State HIV teams on the use of the DHIS2 HIV dashboard for data driven decision making

Build capacity of state and LGA government officers to enter data, analyze and provide regular reports using DHIS2.

Work with SO’s, M&E officers, HMIS officers and others as indicated to analyze collected data and provide feedback to State and Local government RE teams

Liaise with AFENET HIV Data Management Team to provide regular feedback and troubleshoot problems

Provide mentoring. support and supervision to state facilities working on HIV on data collection, data entry and appropriate use of HIV reporting tools

Develop Monthly technical report following all supportive supervision activities conducted

Train State and LGAHIV teams on data management

Perform other duties as assigned by the HIV Advisor and Resident Advisor.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants for this position should visit the AFENET Human Resource web application (http://www.nigeria-feltp.com/careers.php) and submit their applications, addressing the minimum requirements as per the advertisement and current curriculum vitae with details of your referees in a single file format. Any other documentation (e.g. publications, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position will be required if shortlisted.

Candidates should indicate appropriate positions in their application letter. AFENET is an equal opportunity employer. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

DUE DATE: 15 December, 2015